Forward head posture and neck mobility in chronic tension-type headache: a blinded, controlled study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Biomechanics
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Chronic tension-type headache (TTH) is a prevalent condition.
• Forward head posture (FHP) and reduced neck mobility are common in individuals with TTH.
• Objective assessment of these factors is crucial for understanding TTH.

Purpose of the Study:

• To objectively assess forward head posture (FHP) and neck mobility in patients with chronic tension-type headache (CTTH).
• To compare FHP and neck mobility between CTTH patients and healthy controls.
• To investigate the correlation between FHP, neck mobility, and headache parameters in CTTH.

Main Methods:

• Objective assessment of cranio-vertebral angle (CVA) using side-view photography.
• Measurement of cervical range of motion (ROM) using a cervical goniometer.
• Comparison of CVA and neck ROM between 25 CTTH patients and 25 healthy controls.

Main Results:

• CTTH patients demonstrated a significantly smaller CVA (indicating greater FHP) compared to controls (P < 0.001).
• Patients with CTTH exhibited significantly reduced neck mobility in all directions except right lateral flexion (P < 0.01).
• A positive correlation was observed between CVA and neck mobility, and a negative correlation between CVA and headache frequency in CTTH patients.

Conclusions:

• Forward head posture and restricted neck mobility are objectively present in individuals with chronic tension-type headache.
• These postural and mobility deficits may play a role in the development or persistence of TTH.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific contribution of FHP and neck mobility to TTH pathogenesis.